By Alex Bywater
West Indies run machine Hayley Matthews urged her Welsh Fire women’s side not to rest on their laurels after sealing a first win in The Hundred on Saturday afternoon, the Fire will now be looking to claim back to back wins when they take on the Oval Invicibles later today (Monday).
Matthews is the second top run scorer in the women’s competition with 134 runs from her three matches so far and her unbeaten 71 helped Welsh Fire to a convincing nine-wicket success over Manchester Originals at Sophia Gardens on Saturday.
It was a first victory of the tournament for the Welsh-based side who face Oval Invincibles in London today (MON).
Welsh Fire still have work to do if they are to make the knock-out stages because they lost both their first two matches although Matthews’ stunning form will give them a chance.
“It was a good overall performance from us against the Originals,” said Matthews.
“We fielded outstandingly, took every chance we had, and the bowlers made it easy for us as batters to go out there and chase the total.
“I’m pretty happy. I got into the competition late and had a bit of work to do, but hopefully I can carry on this form into the rest of the tournament.
“If you look at the entire tournament, I think most people are winning games chasing. The first win is always the most important and when you get off that mark, it’s always easier to then keep going.
“We need to continue doing the right things and hopefully we can get some more wins.”
Against the Originals, Welsh Fire women fielded superbly to limit their opposition to 120 for six from their allotted 100 balls.
Matthews made light work of the chase and only Jemimah Rodrigues (166) of Northern Superchargers has more runs than her in the women’s competition.
Welsh Fire’s men’s side couldn’t match the women’s result against the Originals as they suffered their first defeat after back-to-back wins.
Welsh Fire batted first and posted a total of 150 with new face Leus du Ploy hitting 43 from 22 balls on his first Hundred appearance.
The Originals chased that down for the loss of just three wickets with Joe Clarke hitting a stunning 58 from 31 balls.
Like the women’s side, Welsh Fire men’s side face Oval Invincibles on Monday but there is a concern of bowler Jake Ball who came off the field injured against the Originals.
Du Ploy said: “I thought 150 was a very competitive total, but we made a few mistakes with the ball and I’m sure we’ll learn from them.
“We’re trying to take it game by game and communication for us is key.”